Discover Orelle ski resort in the French Alps
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Orelle: The Fourth Valley, a Hidden Gem of Les 3 Vallées in the French Alps
Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Orelle is the hidden gem of Les 3 Vallées in the French Alps, a well-kept secret for mountain lovers seeking tranquility and authenticity. Far from the excitement of the larger ski resorts, this area offers you a unique experience, where nature reigns supreme. With its south-facing exposure and vast mineral expanses, Orelle is a true haven of peace, ideal for those seeking total escape.
Why visit Orelle?
- A less crowded area: Orelle is the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy the pleasures of the mountain without the crowd. Here, the silence of nature and the wild beauty of the landscapes immerse you in a serene and soothing atmosphere
- A new cable car to the summit: Since December 2021, the new Orelle-Caron cable car allows you to reach the iconic summit of Cime Caron in just 7 minutes from Plan Bouchet. This innovation opens new opportunities for skiing and adventure, offering quick access to one of the most spectacular panoramas in the French Alps.
- A paradise for skiers: Skiing in Orelle means discovering unique slopes, far from the hustle and bustle of the larger ski resorts of Les 3 Vallées. Here, skiing is done in harmony with nature, in a majestic and preserved setting.
The atmosphere of Orelle: wild and mineral
Orelle stands out for its wild and mineral ambiance, a raw landscape where nature is expressed in all its splendor. The steep slopes, glacial valleys, and rugged ridges create a spectacular setting, perfect for escape and contemplation. Every descent is an immersion in a pure environment, where only the sound of the wind accompanies your glide.
Skiing in Orelle: Slopes for all levels
Orelle offers a variety of slopes that will delight skiers of all levels, from beginner to expert.
- La Lory (Blue Run): Ideal for skiers seeking serenity, La Lory is a blue run that transports you to another world. Starting from the Funitel de Thorens, the panorama is already impressive, but after a few turns, you find yourself in the glacial valley of Bouchet, a wild place where only the sound of the wind disturbs the silence. It is the only slope in Les 3 Vallées that is not bordered by ski lifts, offering a timeless skiing experience, bathed in sunshine.
- Combe de Rosaël (Black Run): For seasoned skiers, the Combe de Rosaël is a real challenge. This black run, descending from the Orelle side after the Cime Caron, immerses you in a special atmosphere. From the very first turns, the slope becomes steep and demanding, reminiscent of the black runs of the past. With 1100 meters of vertical drop, this south-facing descent is rarely groomed, making it all the more exciting for thrill-seekers.
- Coraïa (Red Run): This red run is a true gem, with its rolling curves and breathtaking views of the Aiguilles d’Arve. The name Coraïa comes from old French "coraille," meaning "entrails," referring to the wild and mineral character of this area. It is a descent that will delight intermediate skiers, combining technicality with visual pleasure.
How to access Orelle ski resort?
Orelle is easily accessible from various ski resorts in Les 3 Vallées in the French Alps, each offering a unique journey to this hidden gem. Here’s how you can get there from each starting point:
From Courchevel:
Start with the Verdons gondola, followed by the Vizelle gondola. Descend the Niverolle piste, continue on the Aigle piste, and take the Plattières gondola. Next, take the Côte Brune chairlift, descend via the Pluviomètre piste, cross the Montaulever, and continue on the Cairn piste. Finally, take the Moutière chairlift, followed by the Lagopède piste and the Cime Caron cable car, before finishing on the Combe Rosaël piste.
From Méribel Centre:
Start with the Tougnète 1 gondola, then take the Tougnète 2 chairlift. Ski down the Gros Tougne piste, continue with the Granges chairlift, and descend the Alouette piste. Take the Côte Brune chairlift, ski down the Pluviomètre piste, traverse the Montaulever, and continue on the Cairn piste. Finish with the Moutière chairlift, Lagopède piste, and the Cime Caron cable car, ending on the Combe Rosaël piste.
From Méribel-Mottaret:
Board the Plattières gondola, continue with the Côte Brune chairlift, and descend via the Pluviomètre piste. Traverse the Montaulever, take the Cairn piste, and hop on the Moutière chairlift. Continue on the Lagopède piste, then take the Cime Caron cable car, and finish with the Combe Rosaël piste.
From Brides-les-Bains:
Take the Olympe gondola, then the Tougnète 1 gondola and the Tougnète 2 chairlift. Descend the Gros Tougne piste, continue with the Granges chairlift, and ski down the Alouette piste. Take the Côte Brune chairlift, then descend via the Pluviomètre piste, cross the Montaulever, and continue on the Cairn piste. Finish your journey with the Moutière chairlift, Lagopède piste, and the Cime Caron cable car, before descending on the Combe Rosaël piste.
From Les Menuires:
Begin with the Menuires chairlift, followed by the Mont de la Chambre chairlift. Descend the Pluviomètre piste, cross the Montaulever, and continue on the Cairn piste. Take the Moutière chairlift, ski down the Lagopède piste, and then take the Grand Fond Funitel. Complete your journey with the Gentianes piste.
From Saint-Martin-de-Belleville:
Take the Saint-Martin 1 gondola and the Saint-Martin Express chairlift, then the Granges chairlift. Descend the Allamand piste, continue on the Petit Creux piste, and take the Mont de la Chambre chairlift. Ski down the Pluviomètre piste, cross the Montaulever, and continue on the Cairn piste. Finish with the Moutière chairlift, the Lagopède piste, and the Grand Fond Funitel, completing your adventure on the Gentianes piste.
From Val Thorens:
Several options are available to reach Orelle:
- Quick Access: Take the Moutière chairlift, then the Grand Fond Funitel, and finish with the Gentianes piste for a fast route to Orelle.
- Scenic Access: Opt for a more panoramic route via the Les 2 Lacs chairlift, followed by the Portette chairlift, and finally the Thorens Funitel. Enjoy the breathtaking views as you descend via the Lory piste.
- Sporty Access: For a more athletic approach, take the Caron gondola, then the Cime Caron cable car, and descend via the thrilling Combe Rosaël piste.
Experience the essence of Orelle
Orelle is not just an extension of Les 3 Vallées, it is a destination in itself, a place where time seems to stand still, where every descent brings you closer to the raw and wild nature of the Alps. Whether you're seeking tranquility or adrenaline, Orelle offers a unique experience, far from the beaten path. Come explore this secret fourth valley and let yourself be captivated by the pure and preserved beauty of Orelle.
Les 3 Vallées
Infinite Horizonsof the Summits
Set off to discover the legendary peaks of Les 3 Vallées, where each destination reveals a breathtaking panorama. From the wild vastness of Cime Caron to the graceful slopes of Roc de Fer, every location invites you to experience a unique adventure. Immerse yourself in the essence of the Alps, where every descent and every summit promises moments of pure escape, in a setting where nature reigns supreme. An unforgettable experience awaits you at the summit of each valley.